Let's Vote Ourselves Raises

October 21, 1991|The Morning Call

To the Editor:

We, the people, must remind our elected officials of their jobs. When they speak or vote on an issue, their voice should be that of their constituents, and not their own. Their personal views and opinions should not be what decides where their vote is cast. We, the taxpayers, must keep this in mind when we hear them campaign and talk about their stands on taxes, abortion, gun control, obscenity, etc. They are elected to represent the people in their given districts and their vote should reflect the opinion of the people.

Two hundred years ago, communication technology did not allow every individual's vote to be counted, so we elected a representative to ride to the capital to convey the collective opinions on issues of common concern. How times have changed. Communication technology today gives us "900" numbers, off-track betting, state lotteries and the ability to know the results of a presidential election overnight. I propose having permanent polling places and federal, state and local referendums. In the long run, this would save money and increase public awareness and participation on issues that concern all. (Maybe we can vote ourselves a raise).